The Student Assistance Fund (financed by the Higher Education Authority and the EU) provides, where possible, limited support to whole-time TU Dublin students in severe financial difficulties due to unforeseen circumstances or students who are disadvantaged and require additional financial support to continue their third-level studies. Students not entitled to a SUSI grant may apply for the Student Assistance Fund where a higher parental income criterion applies.
It is not necessary to visit the Financial Aid Office in order to apply for funding. Application forms and ALL supporting documentation should be made online. The SAF Application form is available below.
There are no paper application forms available in the office as all applications must be made online. Do not post application forms to the FA Office.
These funds cannot be used for the purposes of registration or tuition fees. The funding is available to full time registered TU Dublin students and certain part-time registered students*. This scheme is designed to help those in severe financial difficulties due to unforeseen circumstances or students who are disadvantaged and require additional financial support to continue their third-level studies.
Part-time students, who meet the National Access Plan criteria may apply for most schemes currently available to full time students. All applications are subject to the TU Dublin Student Assistance criteria. Part-time students must be registered on a major award programme from Levels 6 to 9 on the NFQ. Students registered on part-time professional development programmes are not eligible to apply.
- There are several assistance schemes under the Student Assistance Fund listed below.
- Terms & conditions and opening and closing dates vary according to the scheme.
- Students who are not entitled to a SUSI grant may apply for the Student Assistance Fund subject to the terms and conditions of the scheme.
- Students who are registered as International Students are not eligible to apply for HEA Student Assistance schemes.
- Students are entitled to appeal an application decision, the SAF Appeal form information is available in the SAF Appeals Policy document.
Please do not send forms to the Financial Aid Service. Email Financial.aid@tudublin.ie
Please call 01 220 8556 or email financial.aid@tudublin.ie if you require any urgent financial assistance or assistance when completing your online application form. Your local TU Dublin Students' Union representatives on campus and the staff at the Student Hubs will also be able to assist you.
Important note: If you have received a SUSI Grant this year, you are required to submit your full 3-page SUSI Grant Award Letter inclusive of the reckonable income page with your application.
View sample letter
Applications for the Student Assistance Fund open in mid-October each academic year.
No. You cannot apply for both schemes.
No. You cannot apply for both schemes. If you are paying rent to an official landlord, it is recommended that you apply under the Rent Assistance Scheme instead. If you are receiving rent allowance from the State, you must apply for assistance under the General Student Assistance Fund instead.
Yes, but the course must qualify for funding under the Class Material scheme:
Fine Art Interior Design Visual Communications Architecture Graphic Design Architectural Technology Creative Arts Photography
Optometry Year 2.
Culinary Arts Year 1.
Visual Merchandising
Award average is €1,000 depending on circumstances.
Generally, a gross income of €60K for parents and (a general guideline of) €10K for students. Higher parental income may be considered in certain circumstances.
No, you must have your own bank account. Payments can only be lodged to your own bank account.
Yes
Yes
Yes, certain types of part time students may receive financial assistance. Part time students must complete the part time application form.
Yes, your income will be evaluated as part of the application process.
Yes
Yes, provided you are not a paid post graduate student.
Yes, to be eligible a student must be repeating a minimum of 20 ects or 4 modules. External repeats are ineligible for funding from the SAF.
Yes
Yes
Yes, depending on income and circumstances
You should apply for the General SAF scheme.
The adjacent grant means you are within 45kms of college and the non-adjacent grant means you are more than 45kms from college. You will usually receive a higher amount of maintenance from SUSI if you are on the non-adjacent grant. Variable degrees of maintenance grants are allowable from SUSI. Check their website for more information.